The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it

And the Heart of Man is a great Flatterer, very subtle to deceive and ruin him with vain resolutions of a devout retirement, and becoming seriously Religious hereafter, and thus by an easy permission he gratifies the present desires of the Flesh, and goes in a Circuit from one Vanity to another, till Death surprise the Presumer. 'Tis very applicable to this purpose what is related of Alcaeus the Poet,¹ who from every season of the Year took Arguments to give a new title to his intemperance. The Spring required liberal drinking in sign of Joy for the renovation of Nature; The Summer to temper the heat, and refresh our draught; 'Twas due to Autumn as dedicated to the Vintage; and Winter required it to expel the Cold, that would congeal the Blood and Spirits. Thus he pleaded for the allowance of his Excess. And thus Men in the several Ages of Life, (which are ⟨p. 120⟩correspondent to the seasons of the Year) have some Excuses to delay Repentance, and give some colour to their contumacy in neglecting Salvation. The Vanity of Childhood, the Pleasures of Youth, the Business of Middle Age, the Infirmities of old Age are plausible pretences to put off the seeking the Kingdom of Heaven and the Righteousness thereof. Now to excite us to a present choice and pursuit of eternal Happiness, Let us consider,

And the Heart of Man is a great Flatterer, very subtile to deceive and ruin him with vain resolutions of a devout retirement, and becoming seriously Religious hereafter, and thus by an easy permission he gratifies the present desires of the Flesh, and goes in a Circuit from one Vanity to another, till Death surprise the Presumer. 'Tis very applicable to this purpose what is related of Alcaeus the Poet,¹ who from every season of the Year took Arguments to give a new title to his intemperance. The Spring requir'd liberal drinking in sign of Joy for the renovation of Nature; The Summer to temper the heat, and refresh our draught; 'Twas due to Autumn as dedicated to the Vintage; and Winter requir'd it to expel the Cold, that would congeal the Blood and Spirits. Thus he pleaded for the allowance of his Excess. And thus Men in the several Ages of Life, (which are ⟨p. 120⟩